10+ Eggplant Recipes You’ll Love to Try

Eggplant is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, making it a great addition to your cooking repertoire. With its unique texture and ability to absorb flavors, you can create delicious meals that satisfy every palate. Whether you’re looking for healthy recipes or comfort food, eggplant will not disappoint.

From savory casseroles to fresh salads, there are countless ways to prepare eggplant. This article explores different eggplant recipes that are easy to make and incredibly tasty, perfect for any occasion. Get ready to discover new favorites that you and your family will love!

1) Baked Eggplant Parmesan

Baked Eggplant Parmesan is a delicious twist on the classic Italian dish. You’ll love the crispy breaded eggplant layered with marinara and melted cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or when you want to impress guests.

To start, slice the eggplant and coat it with breadcrumbs. Then layer it with tomato sauce and cheese in a baking dish. Bake it until it’s golden and bubbly.

The flavors mix well, making this dish a favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Fresh basil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and sprinkle with salt. Let them sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry.
3. Coat the eggplant slices in breadcrumbs.
4. Layer half the eggplant in a baking dish.
5. Add marinara sauce and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
6. Layer the remaining eggplant and top with marinara and mozzarella.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.

2) Grilled Eggplant Lasagna

Grilled eggplant lasagna is a delicious, hearty dish that you can enjoy without the extra carbs. Instead of pasta, you use grilled slices of eggplant to create layers.

To prepare, slice your eggplant and grill it until it’s tender. This brings out a smoky flavor that pairs well with cheese and sauce.

In between the layers of eggplant, you can add ricotta, mozzarella, and marinara sauce. Bake everything in the oven until bubbly and golden.

This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. It’s simple, tasty, and satisfying!

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• Fresh basil leaves

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
2. Slice the eggplants into ¼-inch rounds.
3. Brush each slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the eggplant slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until tender.
5. In a baking dish, layer grilled eggplant, ricotta, marinara, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used.
7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes or until cheese is melted.

3) Roasted Eggplant with Garlic

Roasted eggplant with garlic is a simple and delicious dish. It brings out the rich flavor of eggplant while adding a nice garlic kick. You can enjoy it as a side or toss it into pasta or salads.

To make this dish, start by preheating your oven to 300° F (150° C). Cut a large eggplant in half, drizzle it with olive oil, and add some tamari or soy sauce for extra flavor.

Next, place the eggplant halves on a baking sheet and roast until tender. This usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300° F (150° C).
2. Cut the eggplant in half lengthwise.
3. Drizzle olive oil on the cut sides.
4. Spread minced garlic and tamari or soy sauce on top.
5. Place on a baking sheet and roast for 30-40 minutes.

4) Eggplant Ratatouille

Eggplant ratatouille is a simple and tasty dish packed with vegetables. It features eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs. This French stew is a great way to enjoy fresh produce.

To start, you can dice the vegetables into cubes. Then, cook them together in a pot with some olive oil. The flavors blend beautifully as they simmer.

You can serve eggplant ratatouille on its own or with crusty bread or pasta. It’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant, diced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cups ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs (like basil and thyme), optional

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Add eggplant, zucchini, and bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
5. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Add herbs before serving. Enjoy!

5) Creamy Eggplant Dip

Creamy eggplant dip is a tasty appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings. It combines roasted eggplants with garlic and olive oil for a rich flavor. You can enjoy it with pita bread or fresh veggies.

To make this dip, start by roasting your eggplants until they are soft. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Let them cool, scoop out the insides, and blend with garlic, olive oil, and a bit of salt.

You can adjust the flavors by adding herbs or spices. Enjoy dipping and sharing this delicious treat!

Ingredients

• 4 large eggplants
• 2 cloves garlic
• 75 ml olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roast the eggplants for 25-30 minutes.
3. Let them cool and scoop out the insides.
4. Blend with garlic, olive oil, and salt until smooth.
5. Serve with pita or veggies. Enjoy!

6) Stuffed Eggplant Boats

Stuffed eggplant boats are a fun and tasty way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. You can fill them with a variety of ingredients for a delicious meal.

Start by halving the eggplants and scooping out the insides. Mix the diced insides with your choice of vegetables, meats, or grains. You can also add cheese for extra flavor.

Once filled, place the eggplant halves on a baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake at 375°F (190°C) until the eggplants are tender and the filling is cooked through.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 1 cup diced vegetables (like tomatoes and bell peppers)
• 1 cup cooked meat or grains (optional)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (optional)
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the eggplants in half and scoop out the insides.
3. Mix the eggplant insides with your chosen filling ingredients.
4. Stuff the eggplant halves with the mixture.
5. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until tender. Enjoy!

7) Eggplant and Mozzarella Stacks

Eggplant and mozzarella stacks are a delicious way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. You can prepare them as an appetizer or a main dish.

Start with slices of grilled eggplant and layer them with fresh mozzarella. You can add some ripe tomatoes and a sprinkle of basil for extra flavor.

Bake the stacks until the cheese melts and everything is heated through. The combination of textures and flavors makes for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 medium eggplants
• 8 ounces mozzarella cheese
• 2 large ripe tomatoes
• 4 teaspoons olive oil
• Fresh basil leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Slice the eggplants into rounds and brush them with olive oil.
3. Grill or roast the eggplant slices until tender.
4. Layer eggplant, mozzarella, and tomato slices in a baking dish.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and basil.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

8) Eggplant Moussaka

Eggplant Moussaka is a delicious Greek casserole. It features layers of tender eggplant, spiced meat, and a creamy topping. This dish is warm, comforting, and perfect for a family meal.

To make it, start by slicing the eggplant and roasting it until soft. Prepare a rich meat sauce with ground beef or lamb, tomatoes, and spices. Once ready, layer the eggplant and meat sauce in a baking dish.

Top it all with a creamy béchamel sauce for added flavor. Bake the moussaka at 350°F (175°C) until golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this hearty dish with friends and family!

Ingredients

• 2 large eggplants
• 1 pound ground beef or lamb
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups béchamel sauce
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Spices (cinnamon, oregano)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Slice the eggplants and roast them on a baking sheet with olive oil.
3. In a pan, cook the onion and garlic until soft.
4. Add the ground meat and cook until browned.
5. Stir in the tomatoes, salt, pepper, and spices.
6. Layer half of the eggplant in a baking dish.
7. Spread the meat sauce on top of the eggplant layer.
8. Add the remaining eggplant on top.
9. Pour the béchamel sauce over the last layer.
10. Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown. Let cool before serving.

9) Eggplant Curry

Eggplant curry is a delicious and comforting dish that’s easy to make. You can enjoy the tender, flavorful eggplant in a rich curry sauce. It’s great for lunch or dinner.

To get started, roast the eggplant to enhance its natural sweetness. Then, cook it in a blend of spices, tomatoes, and coconut milk for a creamy texture.

This dish is perfect when served with rice or naan. You can also add chickpeas for extra protein and fiber.

Ingredients

• 1 large eggplant, cubed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 can (400 ml) coconut milk
• 1 can (400 g) chickpeas, drained
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast the cubed eggplant for 25 minutes until tender.
3. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions until golden.
4. Add tomatoes and curry powder, cooking for 3-4 minutes.
5. Stir in coconut milk and chickpeas, then add the roasted eggplant.
6. Simmer for 10 minutes and season with salt.
7. Serve warm with rice or naan.

10) Spicy Eggplant Stir-Fry

Spicy eggplant stir-fry is a tasty addition to your meal. The flavor comes from a savory sauce that adds a nice kick. You can easily make this dish in under 30 minutes.

Start by heating some oil in a skillet. Once hot, add sliced eggplant and cook until tender. The sauce, often made with chili paste, soy sauce, and garlic, brings everything together.

You can also add bell peppers and green onions for extra flavor and color. This dish is perfect served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients

• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 bell pepper, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
2. Add sliced eggplant and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender.
3. Add bell pepper and green onions, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Stir in soy sauce, chili paste, and garlic. Cook for 1-2 more minutes.
5. Serve hot over rice or noodles. Enjoy!